tentNew York officials are seeking public input on how to best manage primitive campsites in the Adirondacks.

The Adirondack Park Agency and the Department of Environmental Conservation are currently holding a joint public comment period to solicit comments regarding proposed guidance on best management practices for primitive tent sites in the Adirondack Forest Preserve. Guidance addresses roadside camping as it pertains to walk-in sites, and walk-in sites with a single lane parking area. It also includes recommendations for large groups at primitive tent sites, camping permits, primitive tent site size limits, primitive tent site improvements and regulation changes. The APA and DEC will accept comments on Primitive Tent Site Guidance until January 29, 2016.

The Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan (APSLMP) allows for primitive tent sites to be designated in Wilderness, Primitive, Canoe and Wild Forest areas. Sites located in Wilderness, Primitive or Canoe areas should be positioned generally one-quarter mile apart to ensure they provide an acceptable degree of solitude. In Wild Forest areas, the APSLMP allows for small groupings of primitive tent sites, widely dispersed (generally a mile apart), located in a manner that will blend in with the surrounding environment, and have a minimum impact on the wild forest character and natural resource quality of the area.

You can direct comments specific to the management action proposed in the guidance to the Department of Environmental Conservation:

Peter Frank
Forest Preserve Bureau Chief
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
625 Broadway, 5th Floor
Albany, NY 12233-4254

You can address all written comments pertaining to Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan conformance to:
Kathy Regan
Deputy Director for Planning
NYS Adirondack Park Agency
P.O. Box 99
Ray Brook, NY 12977

Fax: 518-891-3938
Email – SLMP_Comments@apa.ny.gov